The music world is in mourning after rap legend DMX died on April 9. DMX was just 50 years old when he passed, after suffering from a heart attack seven days earlier. DMX’s colleagues, friends, and collaborators, like Missy Elliott and T.I., paid tribute to the “Ruff Ryder’s Anthem” artist in the wake of the tragedy with beautiful and heartfelt posts on social media.
Rest In Peace to a cultural icon. There are no words that can mend the loss the hip-hop community felt today 🕊 #RIPDMX pic.twitter.com/IJdXqfwMJO
— T.I. (@Tip) April 9, 2021
Tip took to Twitter to post a loving message, along with a clip from one of DMX’s music videos. “Rest In Peace to a cultural icon. There are no words that can mend the loss the hip-hop community felt today #RIPDMX,” he wrote, including the white dove emoji, a symbol of peace. In 2019, T.I. actually named DMX as one of his 50 greatest rappers of all time on The Brew Podcast. His wife, Tameka “Tiny” Harris, also sent her love after learning of DMX’s passing.
The Xscape singer posted a group photo featuring DMX and T.I. to Instagram and wrote, “Damn!! This is the saddest news @dmx touched the hearts of the world with his music. I’m am so happy we got to see him & spend hours with him about a month ago at our house. My good friend @tarathomasagency told me he wanted to come by & see Tip & we made it happen. True HipHop Royalty.. his legacy will live for a lifetime. Thank you King for Blessing us with your gift!!”
His former protege, Eve also opened up about her Ruff Ryders boss and dear friend on Instagram. She shared a beautiful photo of DMX onstage (see the photo here) and wrote a lengthy message to accompany it: “#mydog I know that you are in the place of peace you deserve. I will be forever grateful to have known you.
“You were one of the most special people I have ever met. Full of Humour, talent, wisdom and love and most of all loyalty. This world has lost a REAL ONE but the heavens have gained an ANGEL.” She ended with “RIP DMX” and the white peace dove emoji, just like T.I.
The tributes kept pouring in. Sean Paul posted a photo of DMX performing on Instagram and wrote, “R.I.P BIG G. TNX U 4 ALL U HAVE GIVEN US. CONDOLENCES 2 UR FAM FRENZ AN FANZ. U ARE MISSED.” And so did Method Man, sharing a sweet personal photo of himself and DMX goofing off together.
Missy tweeted, “Even though you had battles you TOUCHED so many through your MUSIC and when you would PRAY so many people FELT THAT! This is heavy for the HipHop family but your LEGACY LIVES ON & your SPIRIT. Continued Prayers for X family & friends for STRENGTH/HEALING.” Beenie Man posted a portrait of the fallen rapper on Instagram, writing, “My Brother, this one is hefty, but we are going to stay strong. Blessings for the impact, the hard work, the friendship, and GREAT MUSIC.”
Swizz Beats, one of DMX’s closest friends, made a video honoring him on Instagram. It showed DMX accepting awards and clips from his music videos. He wrote “DMX 4 LIFE You changed my life King!” with prayer hand and dove emojis. Busta Rhymes commented, “I love you very much X.”